ADHD Natural Remedies - Zinc

Several studies show that replenishing deficient minerals is a more effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than stimulant medication. One of the most common mineral deficiencies is zinc, an essential mineral that aids in a number of bodily and neurological functions. Because of zinc's properties, zinc supplements are also recommended along with other natural remedies for ADHD. Below are just some of the benefits of zinc supplements to ADHD children.

Protects omega-3 essential fatty acids from oxidation

Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements are one of the most effective natural remedies for ADHD. However, omega-3 supplements by themselves cannot stimulate neurotransmitter production and aid brain functioning. Essential fatty acids are very fragile and vulnerable to oxidation, which means that the fats could break down and disintegrate before they reach the bloodstream. Thus, essential fatty acids need to be taken with natural antioxidants. Nutritionists discovered that zinc supplements are a potent antioxidant that preserves omega-3 essential fatty acids until they are absorbed by the nervous system.

Metabolizes vitamin B6

In its active form, vitamin B6 is a potent natural remedy for ADHD. Zinc helps convert the inactive vitamin B6 into its active form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate or P5P.

Regulates thyroid functions and melatonin production

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional response, movement control, and the sensations of pain and pleasure. A deficiency in dopamine is known to cause ADHD. The role of zinc in this picture is that it stimulates the production of melatonin. At the same time, it also suppresses melatonin production when melatonin reaches high levels, thus protecting the thyroid from the negative side effects of too much melatonin.

Stimulates serotonin production

Depression and anxiety are two common co-morbid conditions of ADHD, and these are partially caused by a deficiency in serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood control, and is created from an amino acid called tryptophan. But tryptophan can only be synthesized into serotonin with the help of vitamin B6. As mentioned earlier, zinc is required to convert vitamin B6 into its active form, PSP. Though its role is indirect, zinc is crucial in stimulating serotonin production and is an important natural remedy for neurological disorders like depression and ADHD.

Improves brain wave processes

Slow information processing is one of the common problems experienced by children with ADHD, and this may be related to a brain wave pattern called N2. Dysfunctions in N2 information processing are found to be related to zinc deficiencies, which can explain why children with ADHD have poor academic performance and are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

Lowers inflammation and immunity

Children with ADHD also suffer from recurring health problems like allergy, eczema, and asthma. Zinc supplements boost the immune system and help control inflammation.

Corrects a zinc deficiency

Boosting your child's zinc stores means introducing more zinc-rich foods into your child's meals. High-protein foods like beef, pork, lamb, and the dark meat of chicken are rich sources of zinc. You may also want to include nuts, legumes, and seafood like shellfish and oyster. To ensure that your child's daily recommended allowance for zinc is met, zinc sulfate supplements will do the trick. The daily dosage for children should be between 10 and 20 mg, although some clinical trials have used dosages as high as 55 mg.